Khedira plays down Chelsea links

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has played down Chelsea rumours and said he is looking forward to working with new Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Khedira, 26, joined Real Madrid in 2010, and the Germany international had been one of the first signings of incoming Real manager Jose Mourinho following Khedira's breakthrough performances on the international stage during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

When Mourinho left Madrid to return to Stamford Bridge this summer, Khedira had been rumoured to follow his old coach to London. But speaking to German Sunday paper Welt Am Sonntag, the former VfB Stuttgart man played down those rumours.

"I have enjoyed working with him [Mourinho] very much and rate him high," Khedira said.

"Three years ago he handed me the chance to make the next step from Bundesliga to Real Madrid as young international. But I am contracted to Real and now I am first of all looking forward to working with Carlo Ancelotti."

The half-Tunisian has two more years left on his contract and added that he could imagine extending his contract at the La Liga runners up. "That's still an issue. My agent Jorg Neubauer takes care of that. But as of now there is nothing concrete to announce," Khedira said.

When La Liga kicks off in August Khedira says "a new chapter" of his career will be opened. " A new coach is always a new beginning as well. There are new ideas, a new playing philosophy and certainly also new contents in training," Khedira explained.

"I am full of anticipation as I am still very proud to be playing for Real Madrid. Who plays for this huge club competes for titles. I am convinced that the work under Carlo Ancelotti will take me one step further."

"I have heard a lot of him. Also from my teammate Kaka, who worked under him at Milan," Khedira said about Ancelotti. "Where he has worked so far he has been successful. His team have always played good. Like Paris last year. Not a lot was missing and they would have beaten Barcelona in the quarter finals of Champions League last year."

"We will get an experienced coach, a great personality. Someone who places value on tactics and discipline on the pitch," Khedira added.

The Germany midfielder also warned Bayern that they will now be chased by many teams in Europe. "They need to know that the competitors are striving to correct the proportions. They are being hunted now. With our new coach we at Real Madrid will give it our all to get to the final this time and win the title there."